Published: Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 7:39 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 7:39 a.m.

today: The Low Back Pain: A Look at Prevention and Treatment in the Duke Room at Park Ridge Health, presented by Dr.

Jennifer Sales Slechter with WNC Chiropractic Center.

The free presentation will cover the basics of avoiding low-back issues through proper ergonomics, basic exercises and lifestyle modifications. The second focus will be on the wide variety of treatment options starting with good self-treatment at home, and including when to seek more advanced medical care.

Slechter is a local chiropractor who runs a family practice with an emphasis on sports. She earned a B.S. in biology from UNC-Chapel Hill and a B.S. in health and wellness and a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Parker University, where she was the valedictorian.

u 10:30 a.m.-noon Friday: The Oncology community support group meets in the Burchard/OB Conference Room at Park Ridge Health, 100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville.

The group is open to anyone in the community undergoing the stress of cancer treatments.

Tuesday: Carbohydrates: Making the Right Choice, in the Duke Room at Park Ridge Health. Good carbs, bad carbs, high carbs, low carbs. What is the healthy choice? At the free event, learn how to make healthy choices when it comes to carbohydrates, from Park Ridge Health Lead Dietician Kathy Berger.

Fralix will practice family medicine in the Blue Ridge Health Center building on U.S. Highway 64 East and Howard Gap Road. Fralix received her doctorate in biophysical chemistry from the University of Virginia and her medical degree from Duke University. She is boardcertified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Her special interests include geriatrics and wellness and prevention.

“Dr. Fralix makes an excellent addition to our team of high-quality, compassionate providers,” said Dr. Shannon Dowler, chief medical officer of BRCHS. “It is evident that she shares our commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”

Fralix is accepting new patients. To make an appointment, call 692-4289.

BREVARD

Healing arts program at TRH explained Thursday

Transylvania Regional Hospital at 260 Hospital Drive, Brevard, offers a healing arts program with integrative therapies, which complement the care provided at TRH, to help promote healing and recovery.

The hospital will host a free program explaining the healing arts at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday in the Carlson Conference Room. To educate the community, healing arts practitioners Nancy Blue and Judy Lynne Ray will give a presentation on TRH’s Beyond Surgery program, which they co-founded.

Patients are not charged for this complementary care. Beyond Surgery is a customized protocol of integrative interventions to support and enhance a patient’s standard medical care.

Consisting of coaching and hands-on energy balancing sessions before and after a patient’s procedure, it can also be used on a daily basis for maintenance of health, wellness and emotional well-being.

Park Ridge Health has been named one of the “100 Great Places to Work in Healthcare” by Becker’s Hospital Review and Becker’s ASC Review.

Other hospitals recognized in this list include Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

This recognition is based on a set of standards that place Park Ridge Health among the top 100 health care organizations in the country for robust benefits, wellness initiatives, professional development opportunities and work environments that promote employee collaboration and satisfaction.

“At Park Ridge Health, we’re proud of our exceptional team of more than 1,200 caregivers and staff who provide a nationally leading patient experience, and are pleased to provide an award-winning work environment for them so they can serve with excellence and compassion,” said Jimm Bunch, president and CEO of Park Ridge Health.

“We’re thankful for this formal recognition of the world-class care we provide for our team members who serve our community through more than 350,000 patient interactions each year.”

Some unique benefits available to employees of Park Ridge Health include a health savings plan; semi-annual bonuses based on completion of quality, financial and patient satisfaction goals; a tuition reimbursement program; and a 50 percent retirement matching program for up to 4 percent of employee contributions.

Team members at Park Ridge Health also enjoy the opportunity to earn up to $600 annually through a wellness incentive plan, made easier through access to an on-site fitness center and discounted memberships available at five other local fitness facilities.

A full list of winners of the “100 Great Places to Work in Healthcare” will be featured in the May/ June issues of Becker’s Hospital Review, Becker’s ASC Review and Becker’s Spine Review, as well as on the publications’ websites.

Sleep apnea seminar set for May 20

The “Sleep Solutions: Alternatives for Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea” presentation is set for noon May 20 in the Duke Room at Park Ridge Health.

Attendees can come at 11:30 a.m. for a complimentary lunch from the cafe at Park Ridge Health.

Dr. Michael Neuenschwander of Park Ridge Ear, Nose and Throat will explain the benefits of the SomnoGuard oral appliance for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million Americans live with sleep apnea, a disorder that causes pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. The condition, which often goes undiagnosed, is a leading cause of excessive daytime sleepiness in the United States. Oral appliance therapy has gained widespread recognition — and is covered by many insurers — as an effective, less obtrusive option for potential first-line treatment. A technician from the Park Ridge Sleep Center will also be available to address questions about sleep studies.

Reservations are required, and space is limited. Call 855-774-5433 for more information.

COLUMBUS

St. Luke’s hires Lean improvement chief

Han Palma has joined the staff of St. Luke’s Hospital at 100 Hospital Drive, Columbus, in a new position designed to coordinate Lean improvement efforts at the hospital.

Lean is a philosophy of continuous process improvement that was developed for manufacturing but has since spread to every business sector, including health care. Lean management was originally developed by Japanese automaker Toyota after World War II in an effort to streamline manufacturing by eliminating waste and costly inventory.

Lean has become recognized as the premier process improvement system in the world and has gained traction in health care, resulting in significant improvements in safety, quality, lead time and financial benefits for hospitals that have embraced it. As the Lean coordinator for St. Luke’s, Palma is assisting the senior leadership team, department managers and hospital staff to gain a better understanding of the principles of Lean and how to use those principles to expose inefficiencies.

Lean thinking is not typically associated with health care, where wastes of time, money, supplies and good will are common problems.

But the principles of Lean management can work in health care in much the same way they do in other industries, Palma explained.

<p>Upcoming events at Park Ridge Health </p><p>Park Ridge Health has scheduled the following events: </p><p>u Noon-12:30 p.m.</p><p>today: The Low Back Pain: A Look at Prevention and Treatment in the Duke Room at Park Ridge Health, presented by Dr.</p><p>Jennifer Sales Slechter with WNC Chiropractic Center.</p><p>The free presentation will cover the basics of avoiding low-back issues through proper ergonomics, basic exercises and lifestyle modifications. The second focus will be on the wide variety of treatment options starting with good self-treatment at home, and including when to seek more advanced medical care.</p><p>Slechter is a local chiropractor who runs a family practice with an emphasis on sports. She earned a B.S. in biology from UNC-Chapel Hill and a B.S. in health and wellness and a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Parker University, where she was the valedictorian. </p><p>u 10:30 a.m.-noon Friday: The Oncology community support group meets in the Burchard/OB Conference Room at Park Ridge Health, 100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville.</p><p>The group is open to anyone in the community undergoing the stress of cancer treatments.</p><p>Caregivers and family welcome. Facilitated by Suzanne Watkins, RN, and Darlene White, Park Ridge Health volunteer and cancer survivor. Call 828-681-2917 for more information. </p><p>u Noon-12:30 p.m.</p><p>Tuesday: Carbohydrates: Making the Right Choice, in the Duke Room at Park Ridge Health. Good carbs, bad carbs, high carbs, low carbs. What is the healthy choice? At the free event, learn how to make healthy choices when it comes to carbohydrates, from Park Ridge Health Lead Dietician Kathy Berger. </p><p>Dr. Teresa Fralix joins BRCHS medical staff </p><p>Dr. Teresa A. Fralix, M.D., Ph.D., has joined the medical staff at Blue Ridge Community Health Services.</p><p>Fralix will practice family medicine in the Blue Ridge Health Center building on U.S. Highway 64 East and Howard Gap Road. Fralix received her doctorate in biophysical chemistry from the University of Virginia and her medical degree from Duke University. She is boardcertified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Her special interests include geriatrics and wellness and prevention.</p><p>“Dr. Fralix makes an excellent addition to our team of high-quality, compassionate providers,” said Dr. Shannon Dowler, chief medical officer of BRCHS. “It is evident that she shares our commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”</p><p>Fralix is accepting new patients. To make an appointment, call 692-4289. </p><p>BREVARD </p><p>Healing arts program at TRH explained Thursday </p><p>Transylvania Regional Hospital at 260 Hospital Drive, Brevard, offers a healing arts program with integrative therapies, which complement the care provided at TRH, to help promote healing and recovery.</p><p>The hospital will host a free program explaining the healing arts at 6:30 p.m.</p><p>Thursday in the Carlson Conference Room. To educate the community, healing arts practitioners Nancy Blue and Judy Lynne Ray will give a presentation on TRH's Beyond Surgery program, which they co-founded.</p><p>Patients are not charged for this complementary care. Beyond Surgery is a customized protocol of integrative interventions to support and enhance a patient's standard medical care.</p><p>Consisting of coaching and hands-on energy balancing sessions before and after a patient's procedure, it can also be used on a daily basis for maintenance of health, wellness and emotional well-being.</p><p>Registration is required. Call 828-877-4777 or visit www.trhospitalfoundation.</p><p>org for more information. </p><p>Becker's honors Park Ridge Health </p><p>Park Ridge Health has been named one of the “100 Great Places to Work in Healthcare” by Becker's Hospital Review and Becker's ASC Review.</p><p>Other hospitals recognized in this list include Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and New York-Presbyterian Hospital.</p><p>This recognition is based on a set of standards that place Park Ridge Health among the top 100 health care organizations in the country for robust benefits, wellness initiatives, professional development opportunities and work environments that promote employee collaboration and satisfaction.</p><p>“At Park Ridge Health, we're proud of our exceptional team of more than 1,200 caregivers and staff who provide a nationally leading patient experience, and are pleased to provide an award-winning work environment for them so they can serve with excellence and compassion,” said Jimm Bunch, president and CEO of Park Ridge Health.</p><p>“We're thankful for this formal recognition of the world-class care we provide for our team members who serve our community through more than 350,000 patient interactions each year.”</p><p>Some unique benefits available to employees of Park Ridge Health include a health savings plan; semi-annual bonuses based on completion of quality, financial and patient satisfaction goals; a tuition reimbursement program; and a 50 percent retirement matching program for up to 4 percent of employee contributions.</p><p>Team members at Park Ridge Health also enjoy the opportunity to earn up to $600 annually through a wellness incentive plan, made easier through access to an on-site fitness center and discounted memberships available at five other local fitness facilities.</p><p>A full list of winners of the “100 Great Places to Work in Healthcare” will be featured in the May/ June issues of Becker's Hospital Review, Becker's ASC Review and Becker's Spine Review, as well as on the publications' websites. </p><p>Sleep apnea seminar set for May 20 </p><p>The “Sleep Solutions: Alternatives for Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea” presentation is set for noon May 20 in the Duke Room at Park Ridge Health.</p><p>Attendees can come at 11:30 a.m. for a complimentary lunch from the cafe at Park Ridge Health.</p><p>Dr. Michael Neuenschwander of Park Ridge Ear, Nose and Throat will explain the benefits of the SomnoGuard oral appliance for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea.</p><p>According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million Americans live with sleep apnea, a disorder that causes pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. The condition, which often goes undiagnosed, is a leading cause of excessive daytime sleepiness in the United States. Oral appliance therapy has gained widespread recognition — and is covered by many insurers — as an effective, less obtrusive option for potential first-line treatment. A technician from the Park Ridge Sleep Center will also be available to address questions about sleep studies.</p><p>Reservations are required, and space is limited. Call 855-774-5433 for more information. </p><p>COLUMBUS </p><p>St. Luke's hires Lean improvement chief </p><p>Han Palma has joined the staff of St. Luke's Hospital at 100 Hospital Drive, Columbus, in a new position designed to coordinate Lean improvement efforts at the hospital.</p><p>Lean is a philosophy of continuous process improvement that was developed for manufacturing but has since spread to every business sector, including health care. Lean management was originally developed by Japanese automaker Toyota after World War II in an effort to streamline manufacturing by eliminating waste and costly inventory.</p><p>Lean has become recognized as the premier process improvement system in the world and has gained traction in health care, resulting in significant improvements in safety, quality, lead time and financial benefits for hospitals that have embraced it. As the Lean coordinator for St. Luke's, Palma is assisting the senior leadership team, department managers and hospital staff to gain a better understanding of the principles of Lean and how to use those principles to expose inefficiencies.</p><p>Lean thinking is not typically associated with health care, where wastes of time, money, supplies and good will are common problems.</p><p>But the principles of Lean management can work in health care in much the same way they do in other industries, Palma explained.</p><p>Visit www.ies.ncsu.edu or www.lean.org for more information.</p>